System and method for providing enhanced services for a telecommunication call

ABSTRACT

A system and method provide enhanced services for a call that is transported from a communication device through an asynchronous transfer mode system. The call has user communications in asynchronous transfer mode cells and call signaling. A signaling processor receives the call signaling and processes the call signaling to determine a connection to a service platform. The signaling processor transports a processor control message designating the selected connection. An asynchronous transfer mode interworking unit receives the user communications from the communication device and the processor control message from the signaling processor. The asynchronous transfer mode interworking unit converts the user communications from the asynchronous transfer mode cells to a format compatible with the service platform and dynamically transports the user communications to the service platform in real time. The service platform processes the user communications. The reverse process can also take place with the dynamic transfer, in real time, of the processed user communications back to the communication device in asynchronous transfer mode cells that identify the connection to the communication device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.08/754,847, filed Nov. 22, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,562, andentitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED SERVICES FOR ATELECOMMUNICATION CALL”, and which is incorporated by reference intothis application.

FEDERALLY SPONSERED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of telecommunicationstransmission and processing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a system for providing services for acall from a first communication device in an asynchronous transfer modeformat. The call has user communications and call signaling. The systemcomprises a service platform adapted to receive the user communications.The service platform applies an interactive application to the usercommunications to process the user communications. The system furthercomprises a signaling processor adapted to receive the call signalingfrom the first communication device and to process the call signaling toselect a first connection to the service platform. The signalingprocessor transports a processor control message designating theselected first connection. The system also comprises an interworkingunit adapted to receive the processor control message from the signalingprocessor and to receive the user communications from the firstcommunication device. The interworking unit converts the usercommunications from the asynchronous transfer mode format to a form atusable by the service platform and uses the processor control message totransport the converted user communications to the service platform.

Further, the present invention is a system for providing services for acall from a first communication device in a time division multiplexformat. The call has user communications and call signaling. The systemcomprises a service platform adapted to receive the user communicationsin an asynchronous transfer mode format. The service platform applies aninteractive application to the user communications to process the usercommunications. The system further comprises a signaling processoradapted to receive the call signaling from the first communicationdevice and to process the call signaling to select a first connection tothe service platform. The signaling processor transports a processorcontrol message designating the elected first connection. The systemfurther comprises an interworking unit adapted to receive the processorcontrol message from the signaling processor and to receive the usercommunications from the first communication device. The interworkingunit interworks the user communications from the time division multiplexformat to asynchronous transfer mode formatted cells that identify theselected first connection to the service platform.

In another aspect, the present invention is a method for connecting acall from a first communication device through an asynchronous transfermode system. The call has user communications and call signaling. Themethod comprises receiving the call signaling in a signaling processor.The call signaling is processed to select a selected first one of aplurality of connections to a service platform for the usercommunications. A processor control message is transported from thesignaling processor designating the selected first connection. Themethod further comprises receiving the user communications and theprocessor control message in an interworking unit. The usercommunications are converted in the interworking unit from theasynchronous transfer mode format to a format that is compatible withthe service platform in response to the processor control message andtransported from the interworking unit over the selected firstconnection to the service platform. The user communications are receivedin the service platform and processing the user communications.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is a method for connectinga call from a first communication device in a time division multiplexformat. The call has user communications and call signaling. The methodcomprises receiving the call signaling in a signaling processor andprocessing the call signaling to select a selected first one of aplurality of connections to a service platform for the usercommunications. The processor control message is transported from thesignaling processor designating the selected first connection. The usercommunications and the processor control message are received in aninterworking unit. The method further comprises converting the usercommunications in the interworking unit from the time division multiplexformat to asynchronous transfer mode formatted cells that identify theselected first connection to the service platform and transporting theconverted user communications from the interworking unit over theselected first connection to the service platform. The usercommunications are received in the service platform and processing theuser communications.

In still another aspect, the present invention is a system forconnecting a call in an asynchronous transfer mode system. The call hasuser communications and call signaling. The system comprises a firstcommunication device adapted to transport the call, a service nodeadapted to process the user communications, and a signaling processoradapted to receive the call signaling and to process the call signalingto select a connection to the service node. The signaling processortransports a processor control message designating the selectedconnection. The system also comprises an interworking unit located inthe asynchronous transfer mode system adapted to receive the usercommunications from the first communication device, to receive theprocessor control message from the signaling processor, and to use theprocessor control message to route the user communications to theservice node over the selected connection.

Still further, the present invention is a method for connecting a callthrough an asynchronous transfer mode system to a service node. The callhas user communications and call signaling. The method comprisestransporting the call from a communication device, the usercommunications comprising asynchronous transfer mode cells. The methodincludes receiving the call signaling in a signaling processor andprocessing the call signaling to select one of a plurality ofconnections to the service node. A processor control message istransported from the signaling processor designating the selectedconnection. The user communications and the processor control messageare received in an interworking unit. The method further comprisesconverting the user communications from the asynchronous transfer modecells to a format usable by the service node and using the processorcontrol message to route the user communications to the service nodeover the selected connection and processing the user communications inthe service node.

The present invention further comprises a method for connecting a callhaving user communications through an asynchronous transfer mode system.The method comprises selecting in a processor a selected one of aplurality of connections to a service platform for the usercommunications. An interworking unit is notified which one of theplurality of connections was selected. The user communications arereceived in the interworking unit. The user communications are convertedin the interworking unit from the asynchronous transfer mode format to aformat that is compatible with the service platform. The converted usercommunications are transported in real time from the interworking unitover the selected connection to the service platform.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a service platform system in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a service platform system operating with atime division multiplex device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a service platform system with an extendedasynchronous transfer mode system in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a message sequence chart for a service platform in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a message sequence chart for a plurality of service platforms.

FIG. 6 is a message sequence chart for a service platform with aplurality of media processors in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of a plurality of service platformsinteracting in an asynchronous transfer mode system.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a plurality of service platformsinteracting in an asynchronous transfer mode system.

FIG. 9 is a functional diagram of an asynchronous transfer modeinterworking multiplexer for use with a synchronous optical networksystem in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a functional diagram of an asynchronous transfer modeinterworking multiplexer for use with a synchronous digital hierarchysystem in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a signaling processor constructed inaccordance with the present system.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a data structure having tables that areused in the signaling processor of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of additional tables that are used in thesignaling processor of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a table diagram of a trunk circuit table used in thesignaling processor of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a table diagram of a trunk group table used in the signalingprocessor of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a table diagram of an exception circuit table used in thesignaling processor of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a table diagram of an automated number index table used inthe signaling processor of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a table diagram of a called number table used in thesignaling processor of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a table diagram of a routing table used in the signalingprocessor of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a table diagram of a treatment table used in the signalingprocessor of FIG. 13.

FIG. 21 is a table diagram of a message table used in the signalingprocessor of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A call is a request for telecommunication services. Telecommunicationsystems provide services and processing for telecommunication callsbetween communication devices. Each call has call signaling and usercommunications. The user communications contain the caller'sinformation, such as a voice communication or data communication, andthey are communicated over a connection. Call signaling containsinformation that facilitates call processing, and it is communicatedover a link. Call signaling, for example, contains informationdescribing the called number and the calling number. Examples of callsignaling are standardized signaling, such as SS7, C7, integratedservices data network (ISDN), and digital private network signalingsystem (DPNSS).

A call can be transmitted from a communication device. A communicationdevice can be, for example, customer premises equipment, a callprocessing platform, a switch, or any other device capable ofinitiating, handling, or terminating a call. Customer premises equipmentcan be, for example, a telephone, a computer, a facsimile machine, or aprivate branch exchange. A call processing platform can be, for example,a service platform or any other enhanced platform that is capable ofprocessing calls.

The user communications and the call signaling may be transported by acommunication device through an in-band transmission, such as superframe(SF) or extended superframe (ESF), over a time division multiplex (TDM)carrier such as a digital signal (DS) level communication line. Digitalsignal level zero (DS0), digital signal level one (DS1), and digitalsignal level three (DS3) are common designations that carry in-bandcommunications. Other equivalent designations also carry in-bandtraffic. For example, European communication systems such as Europeanlevel one (E1), European level 2 (E2), European level 3 (E3), andEuropean level four (E4) are common designations that carry in-bandcommunications.

In addition, call signaling and user communications may be transportedout-of-band on separate transport paths, separate transport channels,separate transport connections, or separate transport media. Thesetransports may be carried over DS level or equivalent European levelmedia, as well as higher speed optical and electrical systems, such assynchronous optical network (SONET) and synchronous digital hierarchy(SDH). For example, signaling system 7 (SS7) and the Europeanequivalent, C7, transport signaling traffic out-of-band. Moreover,narrowband systems such as ISDN and broadband systems such as broadbandintegrated services data network (B-ISDN), including B-ISDN overasynchronous transfer mode (ATM), transport call signaling and usercommunications out-of-band.

Broadband systems provide greater bandwidth than narrowband systems forcalls, in addition to providing digital processing of the calls, errorchecking, and correction. ATM is one technology that is being used inconjunction with SONET and SDH to provide broadband call switching andcall transport for telecommunication services.

ATM is a protocol that describes communication of user communications inATM cells. Because the protocol uses cells, calls can be transported ondemand for connection-oriented traffic, connectionless-oriented traffic,constant-bit traffic, variable-bit traffic including bursty traffic, andbetween equipment that either requires timing or does not requiretiming.

ATM systems handle calls over switched virtual paths (SVPs) and switchedvirtual circuits (SVCs). The virtual nature of ATM allows multiplecommunication devices to use a physical communication line at differenttimes. This type of virtual connection more efficiently uses bandwidth,and thereby provides more cost efficient transport for customer calls,than permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) or other dedicated circuits.

The ATM system is able to connect a caller from an origination point toa destination point by selecting a connection from the origination pointto the destination point. The connection contains a virtual path (VP)and a virtual channel (VC). A VC is a logical connection between two endpoints for the transfer of ATM cells. A VP is a logical combination ofVCs. The ATM system designates the selected connection by specifying avirtual path identifier (VPI) that identifies the selected VP and avirtual channel identifier (VCI) that identifies the selected VC withinthe selected VP. Because ATM connections are unidirectional,bidirectional communications in an ATM system usually require companionVPIs/VCIs.

The SONET and SDH protocols describe the physical media and protocolsupon which the communication of ATM cells takes place. SONET includesoptical transmission of optical carrier (OC) signals and electricaltransmission of synchronous transport signals (STSs). SONET signalstransmit at a base rate of 51.84 Mega-bits per second (Mbps) for opticalcarrier level one (OC-1) and synchronous transport signal level one(STS-1). Also transmitted are multiples thereof, such as an STS levelthree (STS-3) and an OC level three (OC-3) at rates of 155.52 Mbps andan STS level twelve (STS-12) and an OC level 12 (OC-12) at rates of622.08 Mbps, and fractions thereof, such as a virtual tributary group(VTG) at a rate of 6.912 Mbps. SDH includes transmission of opticalsynchronous transport module (STM O) signals and electrical synchronoustransport module (STM E) signals. SDH signals transmit at a base rate of155/52 Mbps for synchronous transport module level one electrical andoptical (STM-1 E/O). Also transmitted are multiples thereof, such as anSTM level four electrical/optical (STM-4 E/O) at rates of 622.08 Mbps,and fractions thereof, such as a tributary unit group (TUG) at a rate of6.912 Mbps.

Telecommunication systems require call setup information to initiate aconnection between communication devices. The call setup usesinformation in the call signaling to make the correct connection betweenthe communication devices so that the user communications can betransported across the connection between the communication devices.

Calls are placed to a service provider. The service provider processesthe call signaling and, based on the information in the call signaling,provides a selected service to process the call. Many calls require onlygeneral processing and general services such as basic call routing tothe destination point from the originating point or other basicservices.

However, enhanced services are sometimes required for call processing.Such enhanced services are generally located at a service node in aservice platform and can process the user communications in response tocontrol messages. These enhanced services often use digital signalprocessing, application programs, and database storage to perform therequired processing for the enhanced services. These enhanced servicesoften provide interactive calling features that require a caller tointeract with telecommunication network equipment in order to achieve anenhanced service. For example, a call might require voice recognitionprocessing prior to allowing the caller access to an informationdatabase. Such a call would likely require enhanced services in whichthe caller interacts with a voice recognition processor in thetelecommunication network.

A system and method are required to dynamically transfer calls throughan ATM system to a service platform. The ATM system containstelecommunication communication devices, such as a communication device,a call destination device, and switching equipment, that allows the callto be transported to the correct destination in the ATM network. Thus,there is a need for a system and method to connect calls passing throughan ATM system to devices, such as service platforms, that can provideenhanced services. Moreover, this should be completed on a call-by-callbasis in real time.

The Service Platform Systems

The system of the present invention provides call transmission and callswitching in real time in an ATM system within a telecommunicationnetwork. The system connects calls passing through the ATM system toservice nodes having service platforms that can provide enhancedservices for processing the calls. Moreover, it is possible to selectspecific interactive applications within a service platform to processeach call.

FIG. 1 illustrates the use of a service platform system in accordancewith the present invention. A telecommunication system 102 has a serviceplatform system 104 that interacts with a first communication device 106and a second communication device 108. The service platform system 104contains a signaling processor 110, a service platform 112, and aninterworking unit 114. The service platform system 104 can receive oneor more calls and route the calls to the appropriate device. The serviceplatform system 104 processes calls using interactive applications.

Links are used to transport call signaling and control messages. Theterm “link” as used herein means a transmission media used to carry callsignaling and control messages. For example, a link carries callsignaling or a device control message containing device instructionsand/or data. A link can carry, for example, out-of-band signaling suchas SS7, C7, ISDN, B-ISDN, GR-303, local area network (LAN), or data buscall signaling. A link can be, for example, an AAL5 data link, UDP/IP,eithernet, or a DS0 over T1. In addition, a link, as shown in thefigures, can represent a single physical link or multiple links, such asone link or a combination of links of ISDN, SS7, TCP/IP, or some otherdata link. The term “control message” as used herein means a control orsignaling message, a control or signaling instruction, a control orsignaling signal, or signaling instructions, whether proprietary orstandardized, that convey information from one point to another.

Connections are used to transport user communications and other deviceinformation between the elements and devices of the telecommunicationsystem 102. The term “connection” as used herein means the transmissionmedia used to carry user communications between communication devices orbetween the elements of the telecommunication system 102. For example, aconnection can carry a user's voice, computer data, or othercommunication device data. A connection can be associated with eitherin-band communications or out-of-band communications.

A system of links and connections connect the elements of thetelecommunication system 102. The signaling processor 110 communicatesto the first communication device 106 through a link 116, to the serviceplatform 112 through a link 118, to the interworking unit 114 through alink 120, and to the second communication device 108 through a link 122.The interworking unit 114 communicates to the first communication device106 through a connection 124, to the service platform 112 through aconnection 126, and to the second communication device 108 through aconnection 128. It shall be appreciated that other links can extend fromthe signaling processor 110 to other systems, networks, or devices. Inaddition, other connections may extend from the interworking unit 114 orfrom the first and second communication devices 106 and 108 to othersystems, networks, or devices.

Each of the first and second communication devices 106 and 108 comprisescustomer premises equipment, a call processing platform, a switch, orany other device capable of initiating, handling, or terminating a call,including a telephone, a computer, a facsimile machine, a private branchexchange, a service platform, or an enhanced platform that is capable ofprocessing calls. It will be appreciated that other communicationdevices may be included. However, the number of communication devicesshown has been restricted for clarity.

The signaling processor 110 of the service platform system 104 acceptscall signaling or control messages from, and transmits call signaling orcontrol messages to, all other elements and devices. The signalingprocessor 110 thereby controls call routing and call processing in thetelecommunication system 102. One embodiment of the signaling processor110 is discussed in more detail below.

The service platform 112 provides enhanced services for the usercommunications received by the interworking unit 114. The serviceplatform 112 may have one or multiple applications to provide multipleservices. Such services may include voice messaging, facsimilemessaging, mail boxes, voice recognition, conference bridging, callingcard, menu routing, N00 servicing such as freephone and 900 callservicing, prepay card, tone detection, and call forwarding.

The service platform 112 receives control messages from the signalingprocessor 110. The control messages instruct the service platform 112which application to use in the service platform to process the usercommunications. The service platform 112 processes the usercommunications and returns processing data results to the signalingprocessor 110. In addition, the service platform 112 returns theprocessed user communications to the interworking unit 114 to betransported back to the first or second communication device 106 or 108.

The interworking unit 114 interworks connections on a call-by-callbasis. The interworking unit 114 may be an ATM interworking multiplexerthat interworks between the ATM format and other formats while providingmultiplexing and demultiplexing functions, or it may be an ATMinterworking unit that interworks between different types of ATM systemsand provides domain addressing. In addition, the interworking unit 114may be a unit with domain addressing capabilities only, an ATMmultiplexer that provides multiplexing and demultiplexing functions forATM cells, or other types of interworking units.

The interworking unit 114 accepts user communications from, andtransports user communications to, the first communication device 106,the second communication device 108, and the service platform 112.Preferably, the interworking unit 114 is an ATM interworking multiplexerthat interworks between the first communication device 106 thatcommunicates user communications in a TDM format over a DS0, the serviceplatform 112 that communicates user communications in the TDM formatover a DS0, and the second communication device 108 that communicatesuser communications in the ATM format over a SONET pipe or an SDH pipe.However, it will be appreciated that the first and second communicationdevices 106 and 108 may be either TDM or ATM devices, and interworkingcan be completed between any formats. One type of interworking unit thatis compatible with the present system is discussed more fully below.

The interworking unit 114 accepts control messages from, and sendscontrol messages to, the signaling processor 110. The interworking unit114 uses the information gained from the signaling processor's controlmessage to identify the required interworking assignment so that theuser communications are converted between the formats that arecompatible with the first communication device 106, the secondcommunication device 108, and the service platform 112.

A selected connection is designated by a selected VPI/VCI for ATMformatted transmissions, or a selected DS0 for TDM transmissions. Theinterworking unit 114 therefore dynamically interworks selected VPI/VCIsto selected DS0s and dynamically interworks selected DS0s to selectedVPI/VCIs. Because DS0 communications are bi-directional and ATMcommunications are typically uni-directional, companion VPI/VCIs may berequired for interworking between a DS0 and ATM.

In addition, the interworking unit 114 has a TDM interworking functionwhich allows the interworking unit to transport the user communicationsbetween the service platform 112 and the first or second communicationdevices 106 or 108 without converting the user communications to anotherformat. This can occur, for example, when the user communications thatare transferred from the first or second communication device 106 or 108are in the same format as the format usable by the service platform 112.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the system operates as follows. In thepreferred enhanced service processing system, a call is received intothe service platform 112 from a communication device, such as the secondcommunication device 108. The call signaling is transported from thesecond communication device 108 to the signaling processor 110. The usercommunications are transported in ATM cells from the secondcommunication device 108 to the interworking unit 114.

The signaling processor 110 processes the call signaling. The signalingprocessor 112 reads the call characteristics such as the routing label,including the origination point code (OPC), the destination point code(DPC), the circuit identification code (CIC), or the signaling linkselection (SLS). Based on the processing of the call characteristics inthe call signaling, the signaling processor 110 determines what actionis to be taken, which service the call requires, and, when a pluralityof service platforms exist, which service platform and which applicationin the service platform can provide the service. The signaling processor110 sends a processor control message to the selected service platform112 designating the application that is to process the usercommunications.

In addition, based on the call signaling processing, the signalingprocessor 110 selects a connection 126 from the interworking unit 114 tothe service platform 112 for the user communications. The signalingprocessor 110 sends a processor control message to the interworking unit114 designating the selected connection.

The interworking unit 114 receives both the user communications from thesecond communication device 108 and the processor control message fromthe signaling processor 110. The interworking unit 114 converts the ATMcells containing the user communications to a form that is compatiblewith the service platform 112. Generally, the ATM cells are convertedinto a TDM format. The interworking unit 114 then uses the informationgained from the processor control message to route the usercommunications to the service platform 112 over the selected connection126. The selected connection 126 is generally a selected DS0.

The service platform 112 receives both the user communications from theinterworking unit 114 and the processor control message from thesignaling processor 110. The service platform 112 uses the informationin the processor control message to process the user communicationsusing the selected interactive application. When the application hascompleted, the service platform 112 transmits the processing results tothe signaling processor 110 and the processed user communications to theinterworking unit 114 to be transported either back to the secondcommunication device 108 or to another service platform or device (notshown). The processing results contain control messages and data thatallows the signaling processor 110 to reroute the processed usercommunications to another service platform, to the second communicationdevice 108, or to the first communication device 106.

If the user communications are transported to the second communicationdevice, the user communications must be interworked to ATM cells thatidentify the VPI/VCI of the selected connection 128. If, however, theuser communications are transported to the first communication device106, the user communications do not need to be converted to ATM cells.In the present example, the user communications are transported to thefirst communication device 106. The processing results and processeduser communications are transported to the signaling processor 110 andthe first communication device 106, respectively, either throughout theduration of the call or at the completion of the call.

In addition to transferring the processing results, the service platform112 also transmits a service complete signal to the signaling processor110. The signaling processor 110 receives the service complete signaland the processing results and processes them to determine if theprocessed user communications are to be transferred to a differentdevice.

If more processing is required, the signaling processor 110 selects aconnection and transmits a processor control message to the interworkingunit 114 designating the new selected connection to either the secondcommunication device 108 or to a new selected device (not shown). If theselected device is an ATM device, the interworking unit 114 converts theprocessed user communications which it received from the serviceplatform 112 to ATM cells that identify the selected connection. The ATMcells would, for example, identify the VPI/VCI of the connection to theselected device. The interworking unit 114 then transmits the ATM cellsover the connection to the selected device. The conversion of the usercommunications to ATM cells and the transmission of the ATM cells overthe connection occurs dynamically in real time.

It will be appreciated that the call can be handled, initiated, orterminated by either of the first or second communication devices 106 or108. For example, the user communications can be transported by thefirst communication device 106 and received ultimately by the secondcommunication device 108. Alternately, the user communications can betransported from one of the first or second communication devices 106 or108, processed by the service processor 112, and transported back to thesame communication device 106 or 108.

Also, it will be appreciated that, although in the above-describedoperation of the system the first communication device 106 was a TDMdevice, the service platform 112 was a TDM device, and the secondcommunication device 108 was an ATM device, the first and secondcommunication devices 106 and 108 and the service platform 112 canreceive, transport, and handle user communications in any requiredformat. Thus, the user communications can be processed in a system wherethe first communication device 106 is an ATM device, the serviceplatform 112 is a TDM device, and the second communication device 108 isa TDM device or in a system where the first communication device 106 isan ATM device, the service platform 112 is a TDM device, and the secondcommunication device 108 is an ATM device. In addition, the usercommunications can be processed in a system where the firstcommunication device 106 is an ATM device, the service platform 112 isan ATM device, and the second communication device 108 is an ATM deviceor in a system where the first communication device 106 is a TDM device,the service platform 112 is an ATM device, and the second communicationdevice 108 is a ATM device. In each of these instances, the signalingprocessor 110, the service platform 112, and the interworking unit 114operate similarly to the operation described above. As one skilled inthe art will appreciate, the interworking for the user communicationswill be determined according to the format of the devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates a telecommunication system 102 in which an ATM crossconnect 230 is used to route calls. The cross connect 230 has aconnection 232 to the second communication device 108 and a connectionto the interworking unit 114. The cross connect 230 receives ATM cellsfrom the interworking unit 114 over the connection 234 and directs theATM cells to the second communication device 108 over the connection 232therebetween. Alternatively, the cross connect 230 can route calls toanother ATM system over a connection 236.

As illustrated in the telecommunication system 102 of FIG. 3, a serviceplatform system 104A may contain many elements. A first communicationdevice 106 and a second communication device 108 interact with theservice platform system 104A. The service platform system 104A containsa signaling processor 110 and a service platform 112A.

In addition, the service platform system 104A contains a service controlpoint 336, a service database 338, and an interworking multiplexer (mux)340. The service platform 112A contains a host computer 342, a firstmedia processor 344, and a second media processor 346. However, aservice platform can have greater or fewer media processors in additionto other devices.

Call signaling and control messages are carried between thetelecommunication system 102 devices on links. The signaling processor110 communicates to the first communication device 106 through a link116, to the second communication device 108 through a link 122, to theservice control point 336 through a link 348, to the service database338 through a link 350, to the interworking mux 340 through a link 352,and to the host computer 342 through a link 354. Preferably, the links116, 122, 348, 350, 352, and 354 are a LAN, SS7 links, or SS7 over ATM.

The host computer 342 communicates with the first media processorthrough a link 356, to the second media processor 346 through a link358, and to the service database 338 through a link 360. Preferably,links 356, 358, and 360 are either a LAN or a data bus.

User communications are carried between the telecommunication system 102devices on connections. The interworking mux 340 communicates to thefirst communication device 106 through a connection 362, to the secondcommunication device 108 through a connection 364, to the first mediaprocessor 344 through a connection 366, and to the second mediaprocessor 346 through a connection 368.

The service platform system 104A can receive one or more calls and routethe calls to the appropriate equipment. The signaling processor 110accepts control messages from, and transmits control messages to, otherelements and equipment. The signaling processor 110 thereby controlscall routing and call processing in the telecommunication system.

The service control point (SCP) 336 contains information about thetelecommunication system 102 and how to route calls through thetelecommunication network. The SCP 336 is queried by the signalingprocessor 110 to determine how to route calls with advanced routingfeatures such as N00 or menu routing. The signaling processor 110 maypass the information it gains from the SCP 336 to the host computer 342in the processor control message.

The service database 338 is a logically centralized data storage devicefrom which the signaling processor 110 or the host computer 342 canretrieve communication device data or other device data. The servicedatabase 338 has two aspects of a user or device profile. First, theservice database 338 has service subscription data and processingoptions which denote the services to which a particular call orcommunication device has access. Second, the service database 338 hasservice data which is stored on behalf of a call or communicationdevice. Service data includes such information as voice messages,facsimile messages, and electronic mail.

The interworking mux 340 interworks between ATM cells and other callformats while providing multiplexing and demultiplexing functions. Theinterworking mux 340 accepts user communications from the secondcommunication device 108 and from the first communication device 106.The interworking mux 340 accepts a processor control message containingsignaling and control information from the signaling processor 110.

The processor control message from the signaling processor 110designates a selected connection from the interworking mux 340 to eitherthe first media processor 344 or the second media processor 346. Inaddition, a processor control message designates a selected connectionfrom the interworking mux 340 to either the first communication device106 or the second communication device 108. A selected connection isdesignated by a selected VPI/VCI or a selected DS0. The interworking mux340 routes the user communications over the selected connection.

User communications are communicated back and forth between theinterworking mux 340 to be transported to another device and either thefirst media processor 344 or the second media processor 346, or both.The interworking mux 340 uses the information gained from the signalingprocessor's processor control message to convert the user communicationsreceived from the second communication device 108, for example, betweenATM cells and a format that is compatible with the media processors 344and 346.

The media processors 344 and 346 contain applications that process theuser communications. The media processors 344 and 346 perform suchprocessing as tone detection and collection. The media processors 344and 346 collect any information from the user communications that isrequired to complete an application or manipulate the usercommunications. The media processors 344 and 346 run applications thatprocess voice and tones. The media processors 344 and 346 report theprocessing results of the processed data to the host computer 342 or tothe signaling processor 110 in a media data signal. In some instances,raw data from the user communications and processed user communicationsare transferred to the host computer 342 for further processing.

In one embodiment, the system operates as follows where a call isinitiated from the second communication device 108 and the processeduser communications return to the second communication device. The hostcomputer 342 is the service node manager that controls devices on theservice node or service platform 112A. The host computer 342 receives aprocessor control message from the signaling processor 110. Theprocessor control message instructs the host computer 342 whichapplication to use in the media processors 344 and 346 to process theuser communications. The host computer 342 controls the usercommunications processing in the media processors 344 and 346 andreturns processed data results to the signaling processor 110 in a hostcomputer data signal. The host computer 342 instructs the mediaprocessors 344 and 346 to return the processed user communications tothe interworking mux 340 to be transported back to the secondcommunication device 108. The host computer 342 may also send a hostcontrol message to the signaling processor 110 with control messagessuch as a service complete message. It will be appreciated that othercalls can be placed to and from other devices.

In another embodiment, the system operates as follows where the firstcommunication device 106 places a call that is to be processed andreturned to the first communication device. The call signaling istransported to the signaling processor 110 so that the signalingprocessor 110 can route the call to the appropriate device. The usercommunications are transported to the interworking mux 340 to betransported to an appropriate service, such as the media processors 344and 346. After the user communications are processed, it is transportedfrom the media processors 344 or 346, through the interworking mux 340,and back to the first communication device 106. The first communicationdevice 106 can transmit the call in a variety of formats, including SF,ESF, ISDN, B-ISDN, and GR-303 and over a variety of transmission mediaincluding TDM, SONET, and SDH.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the operation of the system 104A is asfollows. In the system, the signaling processor 110 controls the hostcomputer 342 and the media processors 344 and 346 that process usercommunications which pass through an ATM system. The signaling processor110 selects connections as needed to connect the devices in thetelecommunication system 102.

A call is received into the service platform system 104A from the secondcommunication device 108. The call signaling is transported from thesecond communication device 108 to the signaling processor 110. The usercommunications are transported in ATM cells from the secondcommunication device 108 to the interworking mux 340.

The signaling processor 110 processes the call signaling. The signalingprocessor 110 processes the call characteristics in the call signaling.Based on the processing of the call characteristics, the signalingprocessor 110 determines which service the call requires and which hostcomputer and media processor and which application in the mediaprocessor can provide the service.

However, sometimes the call characteristics are not sufficient todetermine the specific communication device that is requesting a serviceor to determine the specific requested service desired. This may occur,for example, when a device dials an “800” number to gain access to acalling card service. In such a situation, a service application mayrequire a personal identification code before access to a service isprovided. The signaling processor 110 then may invoke applications inthe signaling processor 110 or in the media processor 344 that caninteract with the call to determine the device identity or desiredservice.

In addition, the signaling processor 110 may query the SCP 336 or theservice database 338. This would allow the signaling processor 110 togain service options, service data, and routing information for the callto determine the required combination of signal processing, database,and connection providing elements to provide a service.

The call signaling is processed and the signaling processor 110determines the resource needed to process the service request. Thesignaling processor 110 then sends a processor control message to theselected host computer 342 designating the application that is toprocess the user communications. In addition, based on the processedcall signaling, the signaling processor 110 selects a connection fromthe interworking mux 340 to the media processor 344 selected to processthe user communications. The signaling processor 110 sends a processorcontrol message to the interworking mux 340 designating the selectedconnection 366 and instructing the interworking mux 340 to dynamicallyconnect the call in real time to a service platform 112A on theconnection 366 and to convert the user communications in theinterworking mux 340 from the ATM cells to a format that is compatiblewith the selected media processor 344.

The interworking mux 340 receives both the user communications from thesecond communication device 108 and the processor control message fromthe signaling processor 110. The interworking mux 340 converts the ATMcells containing the user communications to a form that is compatiblewith the selected media processor 344. Generally, the ATM cells areconverted into a TDM format. The interworking mux 340 then uses theinformation gained from the processor control message to route the usercommunications to the selected media processor 344 over the selectedconnection 366.

The user communications are received in the selected media processor344. In addition, the host computer 342 transmits a host control messageto the media processor 344 instructing the media processor 344 whichapplication to use and providing other control messaging to control theprocessing of the user communications. The media processor 344 processesthe user communications in accordance with the control messages from thehost computer 342. The media processor 344 then reports the processingresults to the host computer 342 in a media processor signal over thelink 354. In addition, the media processor 344 transmits the processeduser communications to the interworking mux 340.

The host computer 342 can further service the processing results. Thehost computer 342 transfers the processing results, with or withoutfurther servicing, to the signaling processor 110 in a host controlmessage. The host control message may request that the host computer 342and the associated media processor 344 be released because processing iscomplete or it can request another service or media processor. When thesignaling processor 110 receives the host control message, it may directthe interworking mux 340 to transfer the processed user communicationsto the second communication device 108 or to the first communicationdevice 106. In addition, the signaling processor 110 may direct theinterworking mux 340 to transfer the processed user communications toanother service platform or another media processor on the same serviceplatform 112A. If the processing is complete, the interworking mux 340will be instructed by the signaling processor 110 to release theconnection to the media processor 344, at which point the connectionwill be released.

FIG. 4 illustrates the message transmissions for the user communicationsprocessing and the control messages that take place between the varioustelecommunication network devices to process a call. The messagesequences illustrate the method for connecting a call through an ATMsystem to a service platform.

With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a communication device 108transmits a call, including call signaling and user communications. Thecall signaling is received in the signaling processor 110, and the usercommunications are transported to an interworking mux 340 upon aconnection that was seized by the second communication device 108.

The signaling processor 110 processes the call signaling to determinewhich application and service platform is required to process the usercommunications. The signaling processor 110 selects a connection to theselected service platform 112A. The signaling processor 110 transmits aprocessor control message to the service platform 112A requestingservice for the user communications. The service request designates theapplication that will process the user communications and designates theconnection between the service platform 112A and the interworking mux340 upon which the user communications will be transported.

In addition, the signaling processor 110 transmits a processor controlmessage to the interworking mux 340 designating the selected connectionassignment to the selected service platform 112A. When the serviceplatform 112A is connected to the interworking mux 340 by a DS leveltransmission line, the connection assignment is a TDM port number, suchas a DS0 port designation or an E0 port designation.

The interworking mux 340 connects to the service platform 112A on theselected connection. When the service platform 112A is in a TDM systemand the second communication device 108 is in an ATM system and istransmitting the user communications in ATM cells, the interworking mux340 interworks the VPI/VCI of the connection from which the ATM cellsare being received to the DS0 or E0 of the connection to the serviceplatform 112A. When, however, processed user communications are beingtransported from the service platform 112A to the interworking mux 340,the interworking mux interworks the DS0 or E0 of the connection fromwhich the processed user communications are being received from theservice platform 112A to the VPI/VCI of the selected connection to thesecond communication device 108 or other selected communication device108. The VPI/VCI of the selected connection back to the secondcommunication device 108 or to some other selected communication deviceis designated in a processor control message. The second communicationdevice 108 and the service platform 112A may interact, therebytransmitting user communications to each other through the interworkingmux 340 over the selected connection.

The interworking mux 340 interworks the user communications transmissionbetween the format of the second communication device 108 and a formatcompatible with the service platform 112A. In the preferred method, theuser communications are converted from ATM cells received from thesecond communication device 108 to a TDM format that is transported overa DS0 or E0 to the service platform 112A. In the reverse direction,processed user communications received from the service platform 112Aover the DS0 or E0 in the TDM format are converted to ATM cells thatidentify the VPI/VCI for the connection to the second communicationdevice 108, or to some other selected device. The selected connectiondesignations for both the second communication device 108 and theservice platform 112A are received in the interworking mux 340 from thesignaling processor 110.

When the processing of the user communications is completed by theservice platform 112A, it transmits to the signaling processor 110 acontrol message having a service complete message. Upon receiving thecontrol message, the signaling processor 110 sends a processor controlmessage to the interworking mux 340 requesting that the connection beterminated and to the second communication device 108 requesting thatthe connection be released. In response to the processor controlmessage, the connections are disconnected.

With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, after a connection has been madeand the user communications have been processed in a first mediaprocessor, the signaling processor 110 may determine that furtherprocessing is required and select an application in the second mediaprocessor 346 to further process the user communications. The signalingprocessor 110 would transmit a second processor control message to theinterworking mux 340 designating a second selected connection 368 to thesecond media processor 346.

In response to the second processor control message, the interworkingmux 340 disassociates the connection to the first media processor 344and makes the second selected connection to the second media processor346. Then, the interworking mux 340 transmits the user communications tothe second media processor 346 over the second selected connection.

In addition, the signaling processor transmits another processor controlmessage to the host computer 342 designating a selected application inthe second media processor 346 to process the user communications. Inresponse to the processor control message, the host computer 342transmits a host control message to the second media processor 346 tocontrol processing of the user communications and reporting of theprocessing results.

FIG. 5 illustrates the message transmissions that take place between thevarious telecommunication system 102 devices to further process usercommunications in a second media processor 346. The message sequencesillustrate the method for connecting a call through an ATM system from afirst media processor 344 to a second media processor 346 after aconnection to the first media processor has been completed. Both mediaprocessors 344 and 346 are controlled by a single host computer 342.

After the first connection is made by the interworking mux 340 andinteraction occurs between the second communication device 108 and thefirst media processor 344 in the service platform 112A (see FIG. 3), thehost computer 342 may request that further user communicationsprocessing be completed in the second media processor 346. The hostcomputer 342 then transmits to the signaling processor 110 a hostcontrol message containing a service complete message. Alternatively,the signaling processor 110 may initiate the processing in the secondmedia processor 346.

Upon receiving the host control message, the signaling processor 110selects a connection reassignment to the second media processor 346 andtransmits to the interworking mux 340 a processor control messagedesignating the second selected connection. In a TDM system, thedesignation of the second selected connection to the second mediaprocessor 346 is a TDM port designation, such as a DS0 or an E0.

Upon receiving the processor control message, the interworking mux 340disassociates the connection to the first media processor 344 andinterworks the user communications with the selected connection to thesecond media processor 346. The second communication device 108 and themedia processor device 346 interact as described above.

When the processing of the user communications are completed by thesecond media processor 346, the host computer 342 transmits to thesignaling processor 110 a host control message having a service completemessage. Upon receiving the host control message, the signalingprocessor 110 sends a processor control message to the interworking mux340 requesting that the connection be terminated and to the secondcommunication device 108 requesting that the connection be released. Inresponse to the processor control message, the connections aredisconnected.

FIG. 6 illustrates the message transmissions that take place between thevarious telecommunication system devices to further process usercommunications in a second service platform 602 after the usercommunications first has been processed by a first service platform 112A(see FIG. 3). The message sequences illustrate the method for connectinga call through an ATM system from a first service platform 112A to asecond service platform 602 after a connection to the first serviceplatform has been completed.

After the initial connection is made by the interworking mux 340 andinteraction occurs between the second communication device 108 and thefirst service platform 112A, the first service platform 112A may requirethat further user communications processing be completed in the secondservice platform 602. The first service platform would transmit to thesignaling processor 110 a control message having a service complete.Alternatively, the signaling processor 110 may initiate the processingin the second service platform 602.

Upon receiving the control message, the signaling processor 110 selectsa connection reassignment to the second service platform 602 andtransmits a processor control message to the interworking mux 340designating the selected connection reassignment. In a TDM system, thedesignation of the selected connection to the second service platform602 is a TDM connection designation, such as a DS0 or E0 designation.

Upon receiving the processor control message, the interworking mux 340disassociates the connection to the first service platform 112A andinterworks the user communications to the selected connection to thesecond service platform 602. The second communication device 108 andsecond service platform 602 can then interact as described above.

When the processing of the user communications are completed by thesecond service platform 602, the second service platform transmits tothe signaling processor 110 a control message having a service completemessage. Upon receiving the control message, the signaling processor 110sends a processor control message to the interworking mux 340 requestingthat the connection be terminated and to the second communication device108 requesting that the connection be released. In response to therespective processor control messages, the connections are disconnected.

FIG. 7 illustrates the interaction that may take place between serviceplatforms and communication devices when multiple service platforms arerequired for call processing or when call processing is required by acommunication device that does not have local access to a serviceplatform. For example, a local communication device 702 is connected toa local service platform system 704 which contains a local signalingprocessor 706, a local service platform 708, and a local ATMinterworking mux 710.

The local communication device 702 transmits a call to the local serviceplatform system 704 for processing of the call by an inexpensiveapplication or by an application that is used often. The call signalingis transported to the local signaling processor 706, and the usercommunications are transported to the local ATM interworking mux 710.The signaling processor 706 selects a connection to the local serviceplatform 708 from the local ATM interworking mux 710 and transmits aprocessor control message to the local ATM interworking mux 710designating the selected connection. In addition, the signalingprocessor transmits a processor control message to the local serviceplatform 708 designating the application to process the usercommunications. The local ATM interworking mux 710 transmits the usercommunications to the local service platform 708 over the selectedconnection, and the local service platform 708 processes the usercommunications.

Alternatively, the local communication device 702 may transmit a calldesignated for a core service platform system 712. The core serviceplatform system 712 contains expensive applications or infrequently usedapplications that are shared by a plurality of communication devices andother devices in the telecommunication network. The core serviceplatform system contains a core signaling processor 714, a core serviceplatform 716, and a core ATM interworking mux 718.

The local communication device 702 can access the core service platformsystem 712 by transporting call signaling to the local signalingprocessor 706. The local signaling processor 706 transports the callsignaling to the core signaling processor 714.

In addition, the local communication device 702 transports usercommunications to the local ATM interworking mux 710. The local ATMinterworking mux 710 receives a processor control message from the localsignaling processor designating a selected connection to the core ATMinterworking mux 718 through an ATM cross connect system 720 and theVPI/VCI of the selected connection. The local ATM interworking mux 710converts the user communications to ATM cells that identify the VPI/VCIof the selected connection and transmit the ATM cells to the ATM crossconnect system 720. The ATM cross connect system 720 cross connects theATM cells to the selected connection with the VPI/VCI and routes the ATMcells to the core ATM interworking multiplexer 718.

In addition, the core signaling processor 714 selects a connection tothe core service platform 716 and transmits to the core ATM interworkingmux 718 a processor control message designating the selected connection.The core ATM interworking mux 718 converts the ATM cells to usercommunications having a format that is compatible with the core serviceplatform 716 and transmits the user communications over a selectedconnection to the core service platform 716 for processing. A processorcontrol message from the core signaling processor 714 to the coreservice platform 716 designates the applications and controls to processthe user communications.

In a similar fashion, a communication device 722 that does not have alocal service platform can transmit a call to be processed by the coreservice platform system 712 or by the local service platform system 704.The communication device 722 transmits call signaling to thecommunication device signaling processor 724 and user communications tothe ATM interworking mux 726. The signaling processor 724 controlstransmission of the call signaling and the user communications to theappropriate system.

FIG. 8 illustrates the interaction of service platforms in atelecommunication network. In FIG. 8, a local service platform system802 interacts with an edge service platform system 804. The edgeplatform system 804 likewise interacts with a core service platformsystem 806. Any one of the service platform systems 802, 804, and 806can transmit a call to any other system.

The ATM Interworking Multiplexer

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of an ATM interworking multiplexer (mux) 902that is suitable for the present invention, but other multiplexers thatsupport the requirements of the invention are also applicable. The ATMinterworking mux 902 has a control interface 904, an OC-N/STS-Ninterface 906, a DS3 interface 908, a DS1 interface 910, a DS0 interface912, a signal processor 914, an ATM adaptation layer (AAL) 916, anOC-M/STS-M interface 918, and an ISDN/GR-303 interface 920.

The control interface 902 accepts control messages from the signalingprocessor 922. In particular, the control interface 904 identifies DS0connections and virtual connection assignments in the control messagesfrom the signaling processor 922. These assignments are provided to theAAL 916 for implementation.

The OC-N/STS-N interface 906, the DS3 interface 908, the DS1 interface910, the DS0 interface 912, and the ISDN/GR-303 interface 920 each canaccept calls, including user communications, from a communication device924. Likewise, the OC-M/STS-M interface 918 can accept calls, includinguser communications, from a communication device 926.

The OC-N/STS-N interface 906 accepts OC-N formatted communicationsignals and STS-N formatted communication signals and converts thecommunication signals from the OC-N or STS-N formats to the DS3 format.The DS3 interface 908 accepts communication signals in the DS3 formatand converts the communication signals to the DS1 format. The DS3interface 908 can accept DS3s from the OC-N/STS-N interface 906 or froman external connection. The DS1 interface 910 accepts the communicationsignals in the DS1 format and converts the communication signals to theDS0 format. The DS1 interface 910 can accept DS1s from the DS3 interface908 or from an external connection. The DS0 interface 912 acceptscommunication signals in the DS0 format and provides an interface to theAAL 916. The ISDN/GR-303 interface 920 accepts communication signals ineither the ISDN format or the GR-303 format and converts thecommunication signals to the DS0 format. In addition, each interface maytransmit signals in like manner to the communication device 924.

The OC-M/STS-M interface 918 is operational to accept ATM cells from theAAL 916 and to transmit the ATM cells over the connection to thecommunication device 926. The OC-M/STS-M interface 918 may also acceptATM cells in the OC or STS format and transmit them to the AAL 916.

The AAL 916 comprises both a convergence sublayer and a segmentation andreassembly (SAR) sublayer. The AAL 916 is operational to accept callorigination device information in the DS0 format from the DS0 interface912 and to convert the call origination device information into ATMcells. AALs are known in the art and information about AALs is providedby International Telecommunications Union (ITU) document 1.363, which ishereby incorporated fully herein by reference. An AAL for voicecommunication signals is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/395,745, which was filed on Feb. 28, 1995, and entitled “CellProcessing for Voice Transmission,” and which is incorporated herein byreference.

The AAL 916 obtains from the control interface 904 the virtual pathidentifier (VPI) and the virtual channel identifier (VCI) for each DS0for each call connection. The AAL 916 also obtains the identity of theDS0 for each call (or the DS0s for an N×64 call). The AAL 916 thentransfers the call origination device information between the identifiedDS0 and the identified ATM virtual connection. An acknowledgment thatthe assignments have been implemented may be sent back to the signalingprocessor 922 if desired. Calls with multiple 64 Kilo-bits per second(Kbps) DS0s are known as N×64 calls. If desired, the AAL 916 can beconfigured to accept control messages through the control interface 904for N×64 calls.

As discussed above, the ATM interworking mux 902 also handles calls inthe opposite direction, that is, in the direction from the OC-M/STS-Minterface 918 to the DS0 interface 912, including calls exiting from theDS1 interface 910, the DS3 interface 908, the OC-N/STS-N interface 906,and the ISDN/GR-303 interface 920. For this traffic, the VPI/VCI hasbeen selected already and the traffic has been routed through thecross-connect (not shown). As a result, the AAL 916 only needs toidentify the pre-assigned DS0 for the selected VPI/VCI. This can beaccomplished through a look-up table. In alternative embodiments, thesignaling processor 922 can provide this DSO-VPI/VCI assignment throughthe control interface 904 to the AAL 916.

A technique for processing VPI/VCIs is disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/653,852, which was filed on May 28, 1996, andentitled “Telecommunications System with a Connection ProcessingSystem,” and which is incorporated herein by reference.

DS0 connections are bidirectional and ATM connections are typicallyunidirectional. As a result, two virtual connections in opposingdirections will typically be required for each DS0. Those skilled in theart will appreciate how this can be accomplished in the context of theinvention. For example, the cross-connect can be provisioned with asecond set of VPI/VCIs in the opposite direction as the original set ofVPI/VCIs. For each call, ATM interworking multiplexers would beconfigured to invoke automatically this second VPI/VCI to provide abidirectional virtual connection to match the bidirectional DS0 on thecall.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to incorporate digital signalprocessing capabilities at the DS0 level. For example, in the presentinvention, digital signal processing is used to detect the call trigger.It may also be desired to apply echo cancellation or encryption toselected DS0 circuits. In these embodiments, a signal processor 914would be included either separately (as shown) or as a part of the DS0interface 912. The signaling processor 922 would be configured to sendcontrol messages to the ATM interworking mux 902 to implement particularfeatures on particular DS0 circuits.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an ATM interworking multiplexer(mux) 1002 that is suitable for the present invention. The ATMinterworking mux 1002 has a control interface 1004, an STM-Nelectrical/optical (E/O) interface 1006, an E3 interface 1008, an E1interface 1010, an E0 interface 1012, a signal processor 1014, an ATMadaptation layer (AAL) 1016, an STM-M electrical/optical (E/O) interface1018, and a digital private network signaling system (DPNSS) interface1020.

The control interface 1004 accepts control messages from the signalingprocessor 1022. In particular, the control interface 1004 identifies E0connections and virtual connection assignments in the control messagesfrom the signaling processor 1022. These assignments are provided to theAAL 1016 for implementation.

The STM-N E/O interface 1006, the E3 interface 1008, the E1 interface1010, the E0 interface 1012, and the DPNSS interface 1020 each canaccept calls, including user communications, from a second communicationdevice 1024. Likewise, the STM-M E/O interface 1018 can accept calls,including user communications, from a third communication device 1026.

The STM-N E/O interface 1006 accepts STM-N electrical or opticalformatted communication signals and converts the communication signalsfrom the STM-N electrical or STM-N optical format to the E3 format. TheE3 interface 1008 accepts communication signals in the E3 format andconverts the communication signals to the E1 format. The E3 interface1008 can accept E3s from the STM-N E/O interface 1006 or from anexternal connection. The E1 interface 1010 accepts the communicationsignals in the E1 format and converts the communication signals to theE0 format. The E1 interface 1010 can accept E1s from the STM-N E/Ointerface 1006 or the E3 interface 1008 or from an external connection.The E0 interface 1012 accepts communication signals in the E0 format andprovides an interface to the AAL 1016. The DPNSS interface 1020 acceptscommunication signals in the DPNSS format and converts the communicationsignals to the E0 format. In addition, each interface may transmitsignals in a like manner to the communication device 1024.

The STM-M E/O interface 1018 is operational to accept ATM cells from theAAL 1016 and to transmit the ATM cells over the connection to thecommunication device 1026. The STM-M E/O interface 1018 may also acceptATM cells in the STM-M E/O format and transmit them to the AAL 1016.

The AAL 1016 comprises both a convergence sublayer and a segmentationand reassembly (SAR) sublayer. The AAL 1016 is operational to acceptcall origination device information in the E0 format from the E0interface 1012 and to convert the call origination device informationinto ATM cells.

The AAL 1016 obtains from the control interface 1004 the virtual pathidentifier and the virtual channel identifier for each call connection.The AAL 1016 also obtains the identity of each call. The AAL 1016 thentransfers the call origination device information between the identifiedE0 and the identified ATM virtual connection. An acknowledgment that theassignments have been implemented may be sent back to the signalingprocessor 1022 if desired. If desired, the AAL 1016 can be configured toaccept control messages through the control interface 1004 for N×64calls.

As discussed above, the ATM interworking mux 1002 also handles calls inthe opposite direction, that is, in the direction from the STM-M E/Ointerface 1018 to the E0 interface 1012, including calls exiting fromthe E1 interface 1010, the E3 interface 1008, the STM-N E/O interface1006, and the DPNSS interface 1020. For this traffic, the VPI/VCI hasbeen selected already and the traffic has been routed through thecross-connect (not shown). As a result, the AAL 1016 only needs toidentify the pre-assigned E0 for the selected VPI/VCI. This can beaccomplished through a look-up table. In alternative embodiments, thesignaling processor 1022 can provide this VPI/VCI assignment through thecontrol interface 1004 to the AAL 1016.

E0 connections are bidirectional and ATM connections typically areunidirectional. As a result, two virtual connections in opposingdirections typically will be required for each E0. Those skilled in theart will appreciate how this can be accomplished in the context of theinvention. For example, the cross-connect can be provisioned with asecond set of VPI/VCIs in the opposite direction as the original set ofVPI/VCIs. For each call, ATM interworking multiplexers would beconfigured to automatically invoke this second VPI/VCI to provide abi-directional virtual connection to match the bidirectional E0 on thecall.

In some instances, it may be desirable to incorporate digital signalprocessing capabilities at the E0 level. For example, in the presentinvention, digital signal processing is used to detect the call trigger.Also, it may be desirable apply echo cancellation. In these embodiments,a signal processor 1014 would be included either separately (as shown)or as a part of the E0 interface 1012. The signaling processor 1022would be configured to send control messages to the ATM interworking mux1002 to implement particular features on particular circuits.

The Signaling Processor

The signaling processor is referred to as a call/connection manager(CCM), and it receives and processes telecommunications call signalingand control messages to select connections that establish communicationpaths for calls. In the preferred embodiment, the CCM processes SS7signaling to select connections for a call. CCM processing is describedin a U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 09/243,203 which is entitled“Telecommunication System,” which is assigned to the same assignee asthis patent application, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to selecting connections, the CCM performs many otherfunctions in the context of call processing. It not only can controlrouting and select the actual connections, but it can also validatecallers, control echo cancelers, generate billing information, invokeintelligent network functions, access remote databases, manage traffic,and balance network loads. One skilled in the art will appreciate howthe CCM described below can be adapted to operate in the aboveembodiments.

FIG. 11 depicts a version of the CCM. Other versions are alsocontemplated. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the CCM 1102 controls an ATMinterworking multiplexer (mux) that performs interworking of DS0s andVPI/VCIs. However, the CCM may control other communications devices andconnections in other embodiments.

The CCM 1102 comprises a signaling platform 1104, a control platform1106, and an application platform 1108. Each of the platforms 1104,1106, and 1108 is coupled to the other platforms.

The signaling platform 1104 is externally coupled to the SS7 systems—inparticular to systems having a message transfer part (MTP), an ISDN userpart (ISUP), a signaling connection control part (SCCP), an intelligentnetwork application part (INAP), and a transaction capabilitiesapplication part (TCAP). The control platform 1106 is externally coupledto a mux control, an echo control, a resource control, billing, andoperations.

The signaling platform 1104 comprises MTP levels 1-3, ISUP, TCAP, SCCP,and INAP functionality and is operational to transmit and receive theSS7 messages. The ISUP, SCCP, INAP, and TCAP functionality use MTP totransmit and receive the SS7 messages. Together, this functionality isreferred as an “SS7 stack,” and it is well known. The software requiredby one skilled in the art to configure an SS7 stack is commerciallyavailable, for example, from the Trillium company.

The control platform 1106 is comprised of various external interfacesincluding a mux interface, an echo interface, a resource controlinterface, a billing interface, and an operations interface. The muxinterface exchanges messages with at least one mux. These messagescomprise DS0 to VPI/VCI assignments, acknowledgments, and statusinformation. The echo control interface exchanges messages with echocontrol systems. Messages exchanged with echo control systems mightinclude instructions to enable or disable echo cancellation onparticular DS0s, acknowledgments, and status information.

The resource control interface exchanges messages with externalresources. Examples of such resources are devices that implementcontinuity testing, encryption, compression, tonedetection/transmission, voice detection, and voice messaging. Themessages exchanged with resources are instructions to apply the resourceto particular DS0s, acknowledgments, and status information. Forexample, a message may instruct a continuity testing resource to providea loopback or to send and detect a tone for a continuity test.

The billing interface transfers pertinent billing information to abilling system. Typical billing information includes the parties to thecall, time points for the call, and any special features applied to thecall. The operations interface allows for the configuration and controlof the CCM 1102. One skilled in the art will appreciate how to producethe software for the interfaces in the control platform 1106.

The application platform 1108 is functional to process signalinginformation from the signaling platform 1104 in order to selectconnections. The identity of the selected connections are provided tothe control platform 1106 for the mux interface. The applicationplatform 1108 is responsible for validation, translation, routing, callcontrol, exceptions, screening, and error handling. In addition toproviding the control requirements for the mux, the application platform1108 also provides requirements for echo control and resource control tothe appropriate interface of the control platform 1106. In addition, theapplication platform 1108 generates signaling information fortransmission by the signaling platform 1104. The signaling informationmight be ISUP, INAP, or TCAP messages to external network elements.Pertinent information for each call is stored in a call control block(CCB) for the call. The CCB can be used for tracking and billing thecall.

The application platform 1108 operates in general accord with the BasicCall Model (BCM) defined by the ITU. An instance of the BCM is createdto handle each call. The BCM includes an originating process and aterminating process. The application platform 1108 includes a serviceswitching function (SSF) that is used to invoke the service controlfunction (SCF). Typically, the SCF is contained in a service controlpoint (SCP). The SCF is queried with TCAP or INAP messages. Theoriginating or terminating processes will access remote databases withintelligent network (IN) functionality via the SSF function.

Software requirements for the application platform 1108 can be producedin specification and description language (SDL) defined in ITU-T Z.100.The SDL can be converted into C code. Additional C and C++ code can beadded as required to establish the environment.

The CCM 1102 can be comprised of the above-described software loadedonto a computer. The computer can be an Integrated Micro Products (IMP)FT-Sparc 600 using the Solaris operating system and conventionaldatabase systems. It may be desirable to utilize the multi-threadingcapability of a Unix operating system.

From FIG. 11, it can be seen that the application platform 1108processes signaling information to control numerous systems andfacilitate call connections and services. The SS7 signaling is exchangedwith external components through the signaling platform 1104, andcontrol information is exchanged with external systems through thecontrol platform 1106. Advantageously, the CCM 1102 is not integratedinto a switch CPU that is coupled to a switching matrix. Unlike an SCP,the CCM 1102 is capable of processing ISUP messages independently ofTCAP queries.

SS7 Message Designations

SS7 messages are well known. Designations for various SS7 messagescommonly are used. Those skilled in the art are familiar with thefollowing message designations:

ACM—Address Complete Message

ANM—Answer Message

BLO—Blocking

BLA—Blocking Acknowledgment

CPG—Call Progress

CRG—Charge Information

CGB—Circuit Group Blocking

CGBA—Circuit Group Blocking Acknowledgment

GRS—Circuit Group Reset

GRA—Circuit Group Reset Acknowledgment

CGU—Circuit Group Unblocking

CGUA—Circuit Group Unblocking Acknowledgment

CQM—Circuit Group Query

CQR—Circuit Group Query Response

CRM—Circuit Reservation Message

CRA—Circuit Reservation Acknowledgment

CVT—Circuit Validation Test

CVR—Circuit Validation Response

CFN—Confusion

COT—Continuity

CCR—Continuity Check Request

EXM—Exit Message

INR—Information

INR—Information Request

IAM—Initial Address

LPA—Loop Back Acknowledgment

PAM—Pass Along

REL—Release

RLC—Release Complete

RSC—Reset Circuit

RES—Resume

SUS—Suspend

UBL—Unblocking

UBA—Unblocking Acknowledgment

UCIC—Unequipped Circuit Identification Code.

CCM Tables

Call processing typically entails two aspects. First, an incoming or“originating” connection is recognized by an originating call process.For example, the initial connection that a call uses to enter a networkis the originating connection in that network. Second, an outgoing or“terminating” connection is selected by a terminating call process. Forexample, the terminating connection is coupled to the originatingconnection in order to extend the call through the network. These twoaspects of call processing are referred to as the originating side ofthe call and the terminating side of the call.

FIG. 12 depicts a data structure used by the application platform 1108to execute the BCM. This is accomplished through a series of tables thatpoint to one another in various ways. The pointers are typicallycomprised of next function and next index designations. The nextfunction points to the next table, and the next index points to an entryor a range of entries in that table. The data structure has a trunkcircuit table 1202, a trunk group table 1204, an exception table 1206,an ANI table 1208, a called number table 1210, and a routing table 1212.

The trunk circuit table 1202 contains information related to theconnections. Typically, the connections are DS0 or ATM connections.Initially, the trunk circuit table 1202 is used to retrieve informationabout the originating connection. Later, the table is used to retrieveinformation about the terminating connection. When the originatingconnection is being processed, the trunk group number in the trunkcircuit table 1202 points to the applicable trunk group for theoriginating connection in the trunk group table 1204.

The trunk group table 1204 contains information related to theoriginating and terminating trunk groups. When the originatingconnection is being processed, the trunk group table 1204 providesinformation relevant to the trunk group for the originating connectionand typically points to the exception table 1206.

The exception table 1206 is used to identify various exceptionconditions related to the call that may influence the routing or otherhandling of the call. Typically, the exception table 1206 points to theANI table 1208. Although, the exception table 1206 may point directly tothe trunk group table 1204, the called number table 1210, or the routingtable 1212.

The ANI table 1208 is used to identify any special characteristicsrelated to the caller's number. The caller's number is commonly known asautomatic number identification (ANI). The ANI table 1208 typicallypoints to the called number table 1210. Although, the ANI table 1208 maypoint directly to the trunk group table 1204 or the routing table 1212.

The called number table 1210 is used to identify routing requirementsbased on the called number. This will be the case for standard telephonecalls. The called number table 1210 typically points to the routingtable 1212. Although, it may point to the trunk group table 1204.

The routing table 1212 has information relating to the routing of thecall for the various connections. The routing table 1212 is entered froma pointer in either the exception table 1206, the ANI table 1208, or thecalled number table 1210. The routing table 1212 typically points to atrunk group in the trunk group table 1204.

When the exception table 1206, the ANI table 1208, the called numbertable 1210, or the routing table 1212 point to the trunk group table1204, they effectively select the terminating trunk group. When theterminating connection is being processed, the trunk group number in thetrunk group table 1204 points to the trunk group that contains theapplicable terminating connection in the trunk circuit table 1204.

The terminating trunk circuit is used to extend the call. The trunkcircuit is typically a VPI/VCI or a DS0. Thus it can be seen that bymigrating through the tables, a terminating connection can be selectedfor a call.

FIG. 13 is an overlay of FIG. 12. The tables from FIG. 12 are present,but for clarity, their pointers have been omitted. FIG. 13 illustratesadditional tables that can be accessed from the tables of FIG. 12. Theseinclude a CCM ID table 1302, a treatment table 1304, a query/responsetable 1306, and a message table 1308.

The CCM ID table 1302 contains various CCM SS7 point codes. It can beaccessed from the trunk group table 1204, and it points back to thetrunk group table 1204.

The treatment table 1304 identifies various special actions to be takenin the course of call processing. This will typically result in thetransmission of a release message (REL) and a cause value. The treatmenttable 1304 can be accessed from the trunk circuit table 1202, the trunkgroup table 1204, the exception table 1206, the ANI table 1208, thecalled number table 1210, the routing table 1212, and the query/responsetable 1306.

The query/response table 1306 has information used to invoke the SCF. Itcan be accessed by the trunk group table 1204, the exception table 1206,the ANI table 1208, the called number table 1210, and the routing table1212. It points to the trunk group table 1204, the exception table 1206,the ANI table 1208, the called number table 1210, the routing table1212, and the treatment table 1304.

The message table 1308 is used to provide instructions for messages fromthe termination side of the call. It can be accessed by the trunk grouptable 1204 and points to the trunk group table 1204.

FIGS. 14-21 depict examples of the various tables described above. FIG.14 depicts an example of the trunk circuit table. Initially, the trunkcircuit table is used to access information about the originatingcircuit. Later in the processing, it is used to provide informationabout the terminating circuit. For originating circuit processing, theassociated point code is used to enter the table. This is the point codeof the switch or CCM associated with the originating circuit. Forterminating circuit processing, the trunk group number is used to enterthe table.

The table also contains the circuit identification code (CIC). The CICidentifies the circuit which is typically a DS0 or a VPI/VCI. Thus, theinvention is capable of mapping the SS7 CICs to the ATM VPI/VCI. If thecircuit is ATM, the virtual path (VP) and the virtual channel (VC) alsocan be used for identification. The group member number is a numericcode that is used for terminating circuit selection. The hardwareidentifier identifies the location of the hardware associated with theoriginating circuit. The echo canceler (EC) identification (ID) entryidentifies the echo canceler for the originating circuit.

The remaining fields are dynamic in that they are filled during callprocessing. The echo control entry is filled based on three fields insignaling messages: the echo suppresser indicator in the IAM or CRM, theecho control device indicator in the ACM or CPM, and the informationtransfer capability in the IAM. This information is used to determine ifecho control is required on the call. The satellite indicator is filledwith the satellite indicator in the IAM or CRM. It may be used to rejecta call if too many satellites are used. The circuit status indicates ifthe given circuit is idle, blocked, or not blocked. The circuit stateindicates the current state of the circuit, for example, active ortransient. The time/date indicates when the idle circuit went idle.

FIG. 15 depicts an example of the trunk group table. During originationprocessing, the trunk group number from the trunk circuit table is usedto key into the trunk table. Glare resolution indicates how a glaresituation is to be resolved. Glare is dual seizure of the same circuit.If the glare resolution entry is set to “even/odd,” the network elementwith the higher point code controls the even circuits, and the networkelement with the lower point code controls the odd circuits. If theglare resolution entry is set to “all,” the CCM controls all of thecircuits. If the glare resolution entry is set to “none,” the CCMyields. The continuity control entry lists the percent of callsrequiring continuity tests on the trunk group.

The common language location identifier (CLLI) entry is a Bellcorestandardized entry. The satellite trunk group entry indicates that thetrunk group uses a satellite. The satellite trunk group entry is used inconjunction with the satellite indicator field described above todetermine if the call has used too many satellite connections and,therefore, must be rejected. The service indicator indicates if theincoming message is from a CCM (ATM) or a switch (TDM). The outgoingmessage index (OMI) points to the message table so that outgoingmessages can obtain parameters. The associated number plan area (NPA)entry identifies the area code.

Selection sequence indicates the methodology that will be used to selecta connection. The selection sequence field designations tell the trunkgroup to select circuits based on the following: least idle, most idle,ascending, descending, clockwise, and counterclockwise. The hop counteris decremented from the IAM. If the hop counter is zero, the call isreleased. Automatic congestion control (ACC) active indicates whether ornot congestion control is active. If automatic congestion control isactive, the CCM may release the call. During termination processing, thenext function and index are used to enter the trunk circuit table.

FIG. 16 depicts an example of the exception table. The index is used asa pointer to enter the table. The carrier selection identification (ID)parameter indicates how the caller reached the network and is used forrouting certain types of calls. The following are used for this field:spare or no indication, selected carrier identification codepresubscribed and input by the calling party, selected carrieridentification code presubscribed and not input by the calling party,selected carrier identification code presubscribed and no indication ofinput by the calling party, and selected carrier identification code notpresubscribed and input by the calling party. The carrier identification(ID) indicates the network that the caller wants to use. This is used toroute calls directly to the desired network. The called party numbernature of address differentiates between 0+ calls, 1+ calls, test calls,and international calls. For example, international calls might berouted to a pre-selected international carrier.

The called party “digits from” and “digits to” focus further processingunique to a defined range of called numbers. The “digits from” field isa decimal number ranging from 1-15 digits. It can be any length and, iffilled with less than 15 digits, is filled with 0s for the remainingdigits. The “digits to” field is a decimal number ranging from 1-15digits. It can be any length and, if filled with less than 15 digits, isfilled with 9s for the remaining digits. The next function and nextindex entries point to the next table which is typically the ANI table.

FIG. 17 depicts an example of the ANI table. The index is used to enterthe fields of the table. The calling party category differentiates amongtypes of calling parties, for example, test calls, emergency calls, andordinary calls. The calling party/charge number entry nature of addressindicates how the ANI is to be obtained. The following is the table fillthat is used in this field: unknown, unique subscriber numbers, ANI notavailable or not provided, unique national number, ANI of the calledparty included, ANI of the called party not included, ANI of the calledparty includes national number, non-unique subscriber number, non-uniquenational number, non-unique international number, test line test code,and all other parameter values.

The “digits from” and “digits to” focus further processing unique to ANIwithin a given range. The data entry indicates if the ANI represents adata device that does not need echo control. Originating lineinformation (OLI) differentiates among ordinary subscriber, multipartyline, ANI failure, station level rating, special operator handling,automatic identified outward dialing, coin or non-coin call usingdatabase access, 800/888 service call, coin, prison/inmate service,intercept (blank, trouble, and regular), operator handled call, outwardwide area telecommunications service, telecommunications relay service(TRS), cellular services, private paystation, and access for privatevirtual network types of service. The next function and next index pointto the next table which is typically the called number table.

FIG. 18 depicts an example of the called number table. The index is usedto enter the table. The called number nature of address entry indicatesthe type of dialed number, for example, national versus international.The “digits from” and “digits to” entries focus further processingunique to a range of called numbers. The processing follows theprocessing logic of the “digits from” and “digits to” fields in FIG. 16.The next function and next index point to the next table which istypically the routing table.

FIG. 19 depicts an example of the routing table. The index is used toenter the table. The transit network selection (TNS) networkidentification (ID) plan indicates the number of digits to use for theCIC. The transit network selection “digits from” and “digits to” fieldsdefine the range of numbers to identify an international carrier. Thecircuit code indicates the need for an operator on the call. The nextfunction and next index entries in the routing table are used toidentify a trunk group. The second and third next function/index entriesdefine alternate routes. The third next function entry can also pointback to another set of next functions in the routing table in order toexpand the number of alternate route choices. The only other entriesallowed are pointers to the treatment table. If the routing table pointsto the trunk group table, then the trunk group table typically points toa trunk circuit in the trunk circuit table. The yield from the trunkcircuit table is the terminating connection for the call.

It can be seen from FIGS. 14-19 that the tables can be configured andrelate to one another in such a way that call processes can enter thetrunk circuit table for the originating connection and can traversethrough the tables by keying on information and using pointers. Theyield of the tables is typically a terminating connection identified bythe trunk circuit table. In some cases, treatment is specified by thetreatment table instead of a connection. If, at any point during theprocessing, a trunk group can be selected, processing may proceeddirectly to the trunk group table for terminating circuit selection. Forexample, it may be desirable to route calls from a particular ANI over aparticular set of trunk groups. In this case, the ANI table would pointdirectly to the trunk group table, and the trunk group table would pointto the trunk circuit table for a terminating circuit. The default paththrough the tables is: trunk circuit, trunk group, exception, ANI,called number, routing, trunk group, and trunk circuit.

FIG. 20 depicts an example of the treatment table. Either the index orthe message received cause number are filled and are used to enter thetable. If the index is filled and used to enter the table, the generallocation, coding standard, and cause value indicator are used togenerate an SS7 REL. The message received cause value entry is the causevalue in a received SS7 message. If the message received cause value isfilled and used to enter the table, then the cause value from thatmessage is used in a REL from the CCM. The next function and next indexpoint to the next table.

FIG. 21 depicts an example of the message table. This table allows theCCM to alter information in outgoing messages. Message type is used toenter the table, and it represents the outgoing standard SS7 messagetype. The parameter is the pertinent parameter within the outgoing SS7message. The indexes point to various entries in the trunk group tableand determine if parameters can be unchanged, omitted, or modified inthe outgoing messages.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from thespecific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by the invention.The invention should not be restricted to the above embodiments, butshould be measured by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication system for providing services fora call wherein the call comprises user communications and callsignaling, the communication system comprising: a host computerconfigured to receive a plurality of first processor control messagesfrom a signaling processor and transmit a plurality of host controlmessages to a media processor wherein one of the first processor controlmessages is received for each one of the user communications andindicates a service and wherein one of the host control messages isreceived for each one of the user communications and indicates anapplication to apply for the service; the media processor configured toreceive the plurality of host control messages from the host computerand to provide a service for a plurality of the user communicationsreceived over a plurality of connections by applying the application inresponse to the host control messages; an interworking unit configuredto receive the user communications in an asynchronous communicationformat, receive a plurality of second processor control messages fromthe signaling processor wherein one of the second processor controlmessages is received for each one of the user communications andidentifies a selected one of the connections, convert the usercommunications in the asynchronous communication to the anothercommunication format suitable for the media processor, and transmit theuser communications in the another communication format over theselected connections in response to the second processor controlmessages; and a communication path between the media processor and theinterworking unit comprising the plurality of connections.
 2. Thecommunication system of claim 1 wherein the service includes voicemessage processing.
 3. The communication system of claim 1 wherein theservice includes facsimile call processing.
 4. The communication systemof claim 1 wherein the service includes voice recognition processing. 5.The communication system of claim 1 wherein the service includesconference call processing.
 6. The communication system of claim 1wherein the service includes calling card call processing.
 7. Thecommunication system of claim 1 wherein the service includes toll freecall processing.
 8. The communication system of claim 1 wherein theservice includes menu routing call processing.
 9. The communicationsystem of claim 1 wherein the service includes tone detectionprocessing.
 10. The communication system of claim 1 wherein the mediaprocessor is a voice response unit.
 11. The communication system ofclaim 1 wherein the another communication format is a time divisionmultiplex communication format.
 12. The communication system of claim 1wherein the asynchronous communication format is an asynchronoustransfer mode communication format.
 13. The communication system ofclaim 1 wherein the asynchronous communication format is aconnectionless communication format.
 14. The communication system ofclaim 1 wherein the interworking unit includes.a synchronous opticalnetwork interface.
 15. The communication system of claim 1 wherein theinterworking unit provides echo control.
 16. A method for operating acommunication system for providing services for a call wherein the callcomprises user communications and call signaling, the method comprising:receiving a plurality of the user communications in an asynchronouscommunication format into an interworking unit; receiving a plurality ofsecond processor control messages from a signaling processor into theinterworking unit wherein one of the second processor control messagesis received for each one of the user communications and identifies aselected one of the connections; in the interworking unit, convertingthe user communications between the asynchronous communication formatand another communication format suitable for a media processor;transferring the user communications from the interworking unit in theanother communication format over the selected connections in responseto the second processor control messages; receiving a plurality of firstprocessor control messages from a signaling processor into a hostcomputer wherein one of the first processor control messages is receivedfor each one of the user communications and indicates a service;transmitting a plurality of host control messages from the host computerto the media processor wherein one of the host control messages isreceived for each one of the user communications and indicates anapplication to apply for the service in the media processor, receivingthe plurality of host control messages from the host computer whereinone of the host control messages is received for each one of usercommunications and indicates a service; receiving the usercommunications in the another communication format into the mediaprocessor; and in the media processor, providing a service for the usercommunications by applying the application in response to the hostcontrol messages.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the serviceincludes voice message processing.
 18. The method of claim 16 whereinthe service includes facsimile call processing.
 19. The method of claim16 wherein the service includes voice recognition processing.
 20. Themethod of claim 16 wherein the service includes conference callprocessing.
 21. The method of claim 16 wherein the service includescalling card call processing.
 22. The method of claim 16 wherein theservice includes toll free call processing.
 23. The method of claim 16wherein the service includes menu routing call processing.
 24. Themethod of claim 16 wherein the service includes tone detectionprocessing.
 25. The method of claim 16 wherein the media processor is avoice response unit.
 26. The method of claim 16 wherein the anothercommunication format is a time division multiplex communication format.27. The method of claim 16 wherein the asynchronous communication formatis an asynchronous transfer mode communication format.
 28. The method ofclaim 16 wherein the asynchronous communication format is aconnectionless communication format.
 29. The method of claim 16 whereinthe interworking unit includes a synchronous optical network interface.30. The method of claim 16 further comprising, in the interworking unit,providing echo control.